Bait

It is unlawful to take baitfish for the purpose of sale from the inland waters of the Commonwealth. Individuals trapping fish for personal use as baitfish may use only one trap.

Baitfish may be taken by licensed anglers at any time for personal use by all lawful methods, including a rectangular net not exceeding 36 square feet of net area or by a hoop or circular net not exceeding 6 feet in diameter or with a fish trap with openings not exceeding one inch. Nets designed to gill fish are prohibited. Only the fish species listed below may be taken for personal use as bait, live or dead, by licensed anglers.

Banded Killifish

Fallfish

Fathead Minnow

Golden Shiner

Mummichog

Pumpkinseed

Rainbow Smelt*

Yellow Perch

White Sucker

* Smelt may be taken only by hook and line. Possession or use of smelt as bait in inland waters other than during the smelt season is prohibited.

Frogs (except leopard frogs) 2½ inches or less snout to vent may be taken by licensed anglers and used as bait; 10 daily, 10 in possession; may not be sold.

Herring: For regulations on herring contact the Division of Marine Fisheries, (617) 626-1520 or mass.gov/marinefisheries

Author: michael mcstay

Michael McStay serves as the Senior Editor and CEO of NockedUp, a platform dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts in Massachusetts. An avid fisherman, hunter, and hiker, he has a deep passion for the outdoors and values the importance of sharing knowledge and information related to Massachusetts' natural environment. If you have any thrilling outdoor news to share, or if you would like to provide feedback or suggest story ideas, we encourage you to contact us via text at 339-309-8721 (Join NockedUp Massachusetts Outdoors—it's free and simple! Stay in the loop and never miss another post or update).